North Carolina vs. Duke never needs anything extra, but for Caleb Wilson, this next chapter of the rivalry carries personal weight that he wants to be remembered for in the future. As the Tar Heels prepare for their contest against the Blue Devils, the star forward made it clear this matchup isn’t just another game on the schedule, as it’s a legacy moment.
Speaking Thursday, Wilson didn’t shy away from acknowledging what the rivalry and the recent results mean to him and the program.
“We haven’t beaten them in a long time,” Wilson said, per Rodd Baxley.
That reality has lingered around Chapel Hill, particularly for veteran players who understand how rivalries can change how people view the two sides. Wilson, however, can go down as a legend at North Carolina if he beats Duke and has March Madness success, which is something he clearly understands.
“I know my legacy …for me, personally, you gotta get a win, man. I’m not gonna lie. If I want to be a legend, and I want to submit my name in history, this is a very good opportunity for me to do it. And it’s a very good time for our school and our team to just have some pride and dignity, and get in the win column.”
“It’ll definitely have a big impact on my legacy. I feel like that’s something that’s real important for me. Like I said before, honestly … nobody cares unless you win,” Wilson said.
For all the talk about personal legeacy, however, Wilson made sure to let reporters known that the focus was back to team aspect of things.
“I’m just really focused on winning the game. I’m not really focused on my legacy going into this game, I’m focused on winning.”
For North Carolina, snapping the skid against Duke would deliver more than bragging rights. This can help in recruiting, come Selection Sunday, and many other places.
There are ways UNC can win this game, and a lot of it will start on the defensive side of the basketball. If the team doesn’t get stops, it shouldn’t expect to win, even if Wilson has 40.